FIREFIGHTERS today praised a have-a-go hero who risked his life to help save an elderly couple from their blazing Birmingham home.

FIREFIGHTERS today praised a have-a-go hero who risked his life to help save an elderly couple from their blazing Birmingham home.

The man, who ran into the burning house in Chingford Road, Kingstanding, at 2 o'clock this morning after hearing fire alarms, had shown "incredible bravery" they said.

Flames engulfed the rear kitchen of the mid-terraced house and the terrified elderly occupants were trapped by thick smoke in an upstairs bedroom.

The rescuer, who has not yet been named but is thought to live locally, ignored smoke and flames to lead an elderly man to safety before firefighters in breathing gear saved his wife.

All three were taken to Good Hope Hospital for check-ups after suffering from smoke inhalation.

None is thought to have been seriously hurt in the blaze which broke out at 2am.

Erdington fire station officer Eddie Allsop said: "The whole house was smoke-logged although the fire was contained to the kitchen. But it was extremely hot in the house, the fire had created a heat barrier. "The man was trying to get the couple out. He showed incredibly bravery to go into the house and helped remove the man from the building.

"This man had total disregard for his own safety to help his neighbours. That can only be a good thing. We would not encourage people to go into burning houses or put themselves in danger, but this man showed incredible courage. He did not know the extent of the fire and went into a house which was so smoke logged that he could not see his hand in front of his face."

Fire crews from Aston and Sutton Coldfield helped tackle the blaze. The cause was being investigated.